Wireless Systems Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Posted 25 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
In-Office
135K-185K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Other
The Role
As a Wireless Systems Engineer, you will design and develop wireless communication algorithms for the Starlink Mobile satellite constellation, focusing on system performance optimization at various protocol layers.
Summary Generated by Built In

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

WIRELESS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) 
 
As a Wireless Systems Engineer for Starlink Mobile you will design and develop wireless communications algorithms that maximize system performance for the Starlink Mobile satellite constellation and future networks. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in wireless communication systems, strong knowledge of 3GPP RAN protocols (4G/5G/6G), and an interest in building production algorithms that get deployed at global scale. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Design and optimize wireless systems algorithms at the MAC and PHY layer for link adaptation, power control, timing advance, and doppler tracking.
  • Design and simulate complex MAC layer scheduling algorithms that support joint scheduling of users across multiple beams subject to Quality of Service (QoS) and latency constraints.
  • Analyze inter-cell and inter-beam interference on both uplink and downlink, identify issues on-orbit, and propose solutions through beam planning optimizations, MAC layer scheduling improvements, or advanced signal processing techniques.
  • Run link level simulations and system level simulations to compare performance of different algorithms at all layers of the protocol stack.
  • Work directly with software engineers to implement algorithms and deploy to orbit.
  • Qualify algorithm performance in production through aggregate KPI analysis, high rate per TTI telemetry, and UE log analysis.
  • Develop high-fidelity models for wireless systems in non-terrestrial applications that leverage 3GPP defined protocols (4G/5G/6G). 
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 1+ years of engineering experience (internship/project experience is acceptable); OR 5+ years of professional engineering experience, in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience with MAC and PHY layer protocols and algorithms used in cellular base stations.
  • Experience working with 3GPP protocols. 
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 
  • Master's degree or PhD in wireless communication systems.
  • Experience with system design or implementation of MAC and PHY algorithms for cellular systems.
  • Prior experience debugging issues for a production wireless network deployed at scale.
  • Prior experience with link level simulations that characterize physical layer decode performance under different channel models.
  • Prior experience with system level simulation of a communication network modeling inter-cell and inter-user interference.
  • Fluent in MATLAB and working knowledge of python and/or C/C++.
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and data analysis; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements. 
 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer/Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/per year    
   
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected]

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of engineering experience OR 5+ years of professional engineering experience in lieu of a degree
  • Experience with MAC and PHY layer protocols
  • Experience working with 3GPP protocols

SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.

  • Equity Value & Accessibility Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
  • Healthcare Strength The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.

SpaceX Insights

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The Company
Austin, Texas
8,879 Employees
Year Founded: 2002

What We Do

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.

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